How do I dispose of old fence materials in Metro Vancouver?

Old fence materials in Metro Vancouver can be disposed of through municipal transfer stations, private waste haulers, or curbside large-item pickup programs — but the method and cost depend on the material type, quantity, and whether the wood has been chemically treated. Pressure-treated lumber requires special handling because it contains chemical preservatives that make it hazardous waste in many jurisdictions.

For untreated wood fencing (cedar, spruce, untreated pine), the simplest option is to haul it to your local transfer station. Metro Vancouver operates several transfer stations that accept clean wood waste. In the City of Vancouver, the Vancouver South Transfer Station and the Vancouver Landfill in Delta both accept wood waste. Tipping fees for clean wood run approximately $110-$140 per tonne at Metro Vancouver facilities, with minimum charges typically around $5-$10 per load for small quantities. A typical 100-linear-foot cedar fence removal generates roughly 500-800 kg of material depending on the fence height and board thickness, so disposal costs run $55-$110 for wood alone. Many transfer stations require you to separate wood from metal hardware (hinges, screws, brackets) and concrete, which adds sorting time.

Pressure-treated wood is classified differently across Metro Vancouver municipalities. The chemical preservatives (typically alkaline copper quaternary or ACQ in modern treated lumber, or the older chromated copper arsenate/CCA in fences installed before 2004) make treated wood unsuitable for burning, composting, or regular wood waste streams. Never burn pressure-treated wood — the smoke contains toxic chemicals. Most Metro Vancouver transfer stations accept pressure-treated wood in their general waste stream rather than the clean wood stream, which means higher tipping fees of approximately $140-$180 per tonne. Some facilities require it to be separated and labelled. Check with your specific transfer station before hauling — policies vary.

Concrete post footings are heavy and awkward to dispose of. Clean concrete (without rebar or contaminants) is accepted at most Metro Vancouver transfer stations in their concrete and asphalt recycling stream at reduced rates — often $50-$80 per tonne or sometimes free for small loads of clean concrete. A single fence post footing weighs 25-50 kg, so a full fence removal with 15-20 posts generates 375-1,000 kg of concrete. Some homeowners break up concrete footings and use them as fill material on their own property, which avoids disposal costs entirely but requires a sledgehammer and significant effort.

Metal fencing (chain-link mesh, aluminum panels, steel posts, wrought iron) can often be taken to a scrap metal recycler for free or even for a small payment. Scrap metal prices fluctuate, but aluminum fence panels and chain-link mesh have recyclable value. Several scrap yards throughout Metro Vancouver accept fencing materials — check current pricing before hauling, as it may be worth separating aluminum from steel.

Disposal Options by Convenience and Cost

DIY hauling to a transfer station is the cheapest option if you have a truck or trailer. Key Metro Vancouver facilities include the Vancouver South Transfer Station (377 West Kent Ave N), the North Shore Transfer Station in North Vancouver, the Coquitlam Transfer Station, and the Surrey Transfer Station. Most are open 7 days a week. Expect to spend $30-$150 for a typical residential fence disposal depending on material type and weight.

Bin rental (dumpster) is the easiest option for larger fence removal projects. A 10-yard bin — the most common size for residential fence tear-downs — costs $350-$550 in Metro Vancouver for delivery, pickup, and disposal. This covers mixed materials including wood, concrete, and metal. The bin sits in your driveway for 3-7 days, and you load at your own pace. This is the best option when you're removing a full perimeter fence or combining fence removal with other yard cleanup.

Junk removal services like 1-800-GOT-JUNK (headquartered in Vancouver) or local haulers will come to your property, load the material, and dispose of it. Costs for a full fence removal cleanup typically run $200-$600 depending on volume. This is the most convenient but most expensive option. Get quotes from at least two services.

Curbside large-item pickup is available in some Metro Vancouver municipalities for free or a small fee, but policies vary widely. The City of Vancouver does not offer regular curbside large-item pickup for construction waste. Surrey offers bulky item pickup by appointment. Check your municipality's specific program — fence materials may or may not qualify depending on the volume and type.

If you're hiring a contractor for fence replacement, most fence contractors in Metro Vancouver include old fence removal and disposal in their quote — typically $3-$8 per linear foot as a line item. This is often the most cost-effective approach because the contractor has the tools, truck, and transfer station accounts to handle disposal efficiently. Always confirm that disposal is included in the quote and ask where the materials will be taken.

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